Strap and means for mounting the same



April 6, 1954 R. e. BALLACHEY ET AL 2,673,980 STRAP AND MEANS FOR MOUNTING THE SAME Filed Sept. 9, 1950 3nventors Ease/e1" BALL-A CHE? GEEA ea Noe/v14 Mo Gttorneg Patented Apr. 6, 1954 2,673,980 STRAP MEANS FOR MOUNTING THE SAM Robert G. Ballachey, San Anselmo, andGerard Normand, San Francisco, Calif.

Application September 9, 1950, Serial No. 184,022 9 Claims. (31.1-44.5)

and-a novel device for applying the strap. This invention also relates to a similar method and similar means applicable to the attaching of furring strips.

In accordance with one procedure for mounting pipe and conduit on a wall, ceiling, or other surface, the pipe is held or braced against the surface on which it is being mounted while a perforated strap is placed in position and then or screwed to the underlying ma- This procedure employs a metal strap having substantially a U-shaped body to grip the pipe and a projecting ear formed with a hole. A nail or screw is applied through the hole, or, in accordance with one technique, a pin is driven through the hole into the underlying structure by means of a gun.

It is not always convenient or possible to secure the straps to the underlying surface, especially where it is steel or other metal, concrete, brick, stucco or a fabricated hard material, since one must hold the conduit in place, hold the strap on the conduit and then secure the strap in place, all at the same time.

This and other methods previously employed are cumbersome and time-consuming, and wher a gun is employed to fire a pin, some degree of danger attends the operation. In powder-actuated charge fastening systems there is always danger of ricochet especially where the fastening pin is to be driven into hard material.

In fixing furring strips to rafters or studs, the fin-ring strips are generally nailed, according to the accepted method and in the nailing process the furring strips are frequently split.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel form of strap for the general purposes described hereinabove as Well as others, which is simple of construction and application, and which keys itself into the underlying surface.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method or technique of applying straps of the character described, which is less cumbersome and speedier than prior methods.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a novel means and method of securing fur-ring without the disadvantage of the present practices. In addition, where the furring is to be suspended below the ceiling, the straps may be secured to the ceiling and used as anchors for suspension'of the furring wire.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a device for applying straps of the character described, which provides a means of supporting and centering the mounting strap while at the same tim supporting the pipe or conduit to which the strap is being applied.

It is a further object to supply a fixture which is particularly adapted foruse in connection with powder-actuated fastening systems which fire a pin to fix the strap to the surface, and which is safe, fast and economical, for any size tool and powder charge.

These and other objects of the invention will be apparent from the ensuing description and the appended claims.

Certain forms of the invention are illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings and are described hereinbelow.

Referring now to the drawings:

Figure 1 is a top plan View of one form of device or fixture for applying straps to pipes, conduits and the like.

Figure 2 is a section taken along the lines II-II of Figure 1, showing the fixture in applying a strap to a wall for holding pipe or con-- duit, and using a powder driven pin for securing the same.

Figure 3 is a side elevation of fixture.

Figure 4 is a fragmentary top plan view of the fixture of Figure 3.

Figure 5 is a side elevation of a third form of strap fixture.

Figure 6- is a top plan view of one form of strap, such as that shown in Figure 2, particularly useful'for holding pipes, conduits and the like.

Figure 7 is a side elevation of an angle strap applicable to furring strips.

Figure 8 is a fragmentary vertical section of Figure 3 showing the recess for the fiat end of the strap and the further recess for the circular washer aligned axially with the barrel.

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to Figures 1, 2 and 6, the strap fixture of the present invention is generally designated as ll. It is shown in operative position in Figure 2, after securing a strap H to the surface l3 for holding a pipe or conduit 12 thereto. As shown in Figures 2 and 6, the strap l comprises a substantially semi-cylindrical body portion M having a reinforcing rib i5, and a flat end or tab portion I It is apparent that different sizes are required for accommodating different diameters. The end portion is not perforated.

Referringto'Figure 7, an alternative form of of a modified form strap I1 is there shown, which is intended primarily for use in mounting furring strips, such as shown at IE, on rafters, studs or other structural members. The angle strap i1 comprises a right-angular body portion l9 and a flat end portion which, like the end portion [6 of the pipe strap H, is not perforated.

Referring again to Figures 1 and 2, the strap applicator 10 comprises a casting which may be made of aluminum or other suitable material. The casting 25 is formed with a rearwardly projecting base portion 26 having a flat under surface 21 which is intended to rest flush against the surface on which the work is to be done. The surface 21 is grooved or slotted at 28 to receive the flat end portion l6 of the strap II. The width of groove 28 is such that the end portion It will snugly fit therein, and it is of a depth sufficient to accommodate the thickness of the strap i I, so that when the strap is in position in the device the lower surface will be flush with the surface 21. The casting '25 is also formed with a vertical face from which extends a forwardly projecting lip 29. A groove 28a forming an extension of the groove 28, is provided in the vertical face to receive the thickness of the body portion of the strap.

It is sometimes desirable to place a disc between the head 45 of the pin 43. To locate the disc in proper position a circular depression 13 may be cut deeper than the groove 28, having its center concentric with the pin 43 (see Figure 3).

The casting 25 is also formed with a central passage 30 which is threaded at its upper end, at 3|, to receive a fitting 32. The fitting 32 is a barrel assembly of a known type for any of the powder-actuated fastening systems and may comprise a knurled head 33 which is threaded internally as at 34 to receive the threaded tip of a gun (not shown). Suitable guns of known construction are available for this purpose. The fitting 32 also includes a barrel 4!! which is threaded externally at 4! for threading into the threaded portion 3| of the passage 33. As shown, the barrel has a smooth bore 42, and it extends through the passage 3!! to the inner surface of the groove 28. Escape holes 42a are provided for escape of gases after firing of the gun. The casting is countersunk, as illustrated, to allow escape w of the gases.

The fitting 32 and the gun employed therewith are intended to fire a pin or spike 43. The pin 43 has a pointed end 44 and an enlarged head portion 45, although it is to be understood 5 that the drive pins or studs are made in a variety of forms, depending upon the service and u timate use. As mentioned, and as shown in Figure 6, the end portion [6 of the strap II is not perforated. The metal, however, is of a thickness such that on firing the gun, the pin 43 will readily penetrate, not only a metallic disc if one is called for, but the end portion 16 of the strap and the wood, plaster, steel, concrete or other material of the wall l3. It will be seen from Figure 2 that as the pin 43 penetrates the end portion 13 of the strap H, the metal will spread irregularly and will be imbedded in the underlying surface as at 45, thereby effectively keying the strap to the surface and giving a firmer and better holding than is possible with perforated straps.

A retainer bracket is also provided. As shown in Figure 2, the bracket 50 is of right angular shape and includes. as viewed in Fig- (iii ure 2, a horizontal leg 50a and a vertical leg 5%. The vertical leg 50b is formed with a U-shaped clearance slot 5i to provide clearance for the fitting 32 and, on opposite sides of the slot 5|, with parallel slots 52 to receive screws 53 which are threaded into holes 54 tapped in the casting 25. The horizontal leg 50a of the retainer bracket 50 is formed at its lower end with a recess 56 to accommodate a strap similar to that shown in Figure 2 but having an end portion It at each side of the round body portion.

In operation, the tool is employed as follows:

Assuming that a cylindrical pipe or conduit I2 is to be mounted on a wall, a suitably formed strap with an unperforated end portion, such as shown at H, is seated in the grooves 28 and 28a of the device 10. The retainer bracket 50 is adjusted to hold the strap by loosening the screws 53 and moving the bracket until it bears firmly against the outer end of the strap. The screws 53 are then tightened to retain the strap firmly in place. Once this adjustment has been made for any one size it can be used for the entire job without further adjustment. A fitting 32 will have been threaded into the passage 30. A suitable gun will be threaded into the knurled head 33 of the fitting 32 and will be loaded with a charge and a pin such as shown at 43. The assembly will then be placed over the pipe 12 with the end portion H; of the strap and the face 21 of the device 10 bearing against the surface to which the strap is to secure the pipe or conduit. Preferably, of course, the barrel 40 will be located over a stud or other suitable frame member for receiving the pin although this is not necessary when securing conduit and the like to concrete, brick, steel or other similar surfaces. The gun will then be fired to drive the pin 43 through the end portion I6 of the strap and into the surface to which it is to be secured. As explained hereinabove, the metal of the strap when pierced in this manner will be irregularly expanded and imbedded in the underlying surface as shown at 46, so as to key the strap firmly into the wall or other surface. The spread of the metal as well as the irregularity thereof insures a firm, not twisting grip, not obtainable in any other way. The applicator will then be pulled free of the strap and the process will be repeated at linear intervals as often as necessary to firmly clamp the pipe or conduit to the wall. In using the tool the pin and the strap tend to fuse and form a unitary structure.

Referring now to Figure '7, if it is desired to mount a furring strip IS on a wall, ceiling or other surface, a right angular strap 11 may be employed for the purpose. However, as shown in Figure '7, the angle strap I! is placed over the furring strip as well as being seated in the grooves 28, 28a. The bracket 50 modified so that it may be adjusted to bear firmly against the end Ila of the angle strap and the exposed side of th furring strip l8. It is apparent that the vertical height of the angle clip must accommodate the thickness of the furring but it is not necessary that the lapping portion extend more than a short distance over the exposed surface. Where the furring is to be suspended, straps may be located and pinned in place on the ceiling. The furring wires can then be secured to the strap loops and suspended therefrom. In order to insure against the slipping of the furring wires the a hammer to close the 53 in this modification are to serve as guides for the retainer bracket 55, which is free to move forwardly and the top surface of the casting rearwardly along 25, and as retainers for the springs 53. zontal leg 50a of the retainer bracket 59 The horiis formed with apair of spaced holes 'tl) and the lip 29 is" t'apped'and threaded at 5! to receive the threaded ends of screws 52 which sli'dably pass through the holes 60. An expansion spring {53 is provided for each of the screws '62, being compressed between a washer $4 and the leg 50a of the bracket 53. The screws 62 may be turned up or down to ad- Just the amount of compression desired for any one size of strap.

In this modification, since the bracket 5!; is free to slide inwardly and outwardly along the surface of' the casting 25, the expansion springs 63 will operate'to urge it inwardly, that is, towards the casting, thus maintain ng a pressure on the strap to clamp it in position.

' Referring now to Figure 5, a third embodiment Illb is there illustrated. This embodiment is also generally simlar to that of Figures 1 and 2, and

similar parts are similarly numbered. The retaine'r bracket 5!! is firmly cl mped to the casting 25by any suitable means such as screws 53 and is, of course, adiustable in the same manner as the retainer brac et Bill of Figure 1. However,

except for occasional adjustment of the bracket 50, most of the ad ustment is automatically accomplished by means of a h nged bracket cs. The hinged bracket 64 is bent at its inner end to provide a tip 65 for bearing against the outer end of the strap. At its other end the hinged brac et M is oppositely bent to provide an end portion 6? which is formed wth a hole Bl to receive a screw 68. The horizontal leg 59a of brac et 59 is formed with a slot 69 to receive the hinged bracket 64, and it is also formed with a hole E2 to receive the screw 58. Anespansion spring 1!? is carried by the screw 58 andis compressed between the horizontal leg 59a of the bracket 5!! and a nut ll The spring Iii serves to bi s the hinged bracket 64 inwardly a strap in proper position.

As shown in Figure 3, there may be an additional and circular recess in groove 28 and con-- centricwith bore of the barrel d9. This is to retain a washer throu h which the pn 43 is fired; The mounted strap will be the same as that shown in Figure 2, but with a washer impaled between the head of the pin and the strap. The washer may be a solid disc, or pierced centrally, the solid disc being preferred. The use of a washer is not essential but has been found desirable where the surface to which the conduit is to be attached is :relatively porous but requires a heavy charge to penetrate.

. It will thus be apparent that a novel form oi strap has been provided for attaching pipes, conduits, furring Or the like to walls, ceilings and other surfaces. The strap is itself the essence of simplicity, and since the pin 43 must penetrate the metal of the strap, the advantage of keying to v the wallis provided.

Not only is a novel form of strap provided, but it will be apparent that a novel method of applying same is provided. That is, a pin is driven through an unperforate tail or end portion of parts are similarly numbered] or toward the casting 25, and to clamp a strap shaped to conform to the pipe, conduit, furring or other elementwhich is being mounted.

Moreover, a very useful and advantageous form of applicator is provided which has, among others, the following advantages:

It-is readily adjustable to accommodate different sizes and shapes of straps for holding and securing different shapes, diameters and sizes of pipes, conduits, furring and the like. Itlends itself admirably to use with all types of powderactuated fastening systems for firing a pin, and'in connection with this type of operating, the applicator adds a very Thus, since the barrel of the fitting is encased in a'substantial casting, and since the casting is held firmly against the wall or other surface on which the pipe or conduit is being mounted, the chances of the pin glancing off the strap or misfiring in any other way, is very remote. Also, the use of the applicator speeds up the operation of mount' ing a pipe or conduit because it facilitates locating the straps on the pipe or conduit and provides a single support therefor when pressed firmly against a wall or ceiling. While self pow'ered powder-actuated fastening systems have been referred to herein, the tool and the methods herein disclosed are equally applicable to air and electrical driving systems.

The method and apparatus of the present invention are applicable to mounting pipes, conduits and the like on wood, plaster, concrete, steel and other surfaces. The method is not suitable for tile or glass surfaces as these shatter, and is not suitable for hardened steel surfaces because the pin shatters. Suitable pins or studs such as shown at 60, and suitable guns and explosive charges are available and are well-known for these various purposes.

As applied to furring strips, the applicator, and the associated angle strap and the method of the present invention, are advantageous in that no nail is applied directly to the furring strip. Splitting of the'furring strip, is, therefore, avoided. Greater strength and holding power can be obtained by alternating the strap placement, first on one side and then on the other side of the furring strip.

1 I claim:

1 1. A strap applicator for applying straps of the type comprising a body portion for bearing against and partially *circumscribing a pipe or other like structure and a solid flat end portion for hearing against a fiat surface, said applicator comprising amain body member having a substantial protecting face for bearing against a flat sirface, a groove in said face for receiving the flat end of a strap and positioning it flush with said surface and said face, an adjustable bracket, guide means insaid bracket, and locking screws engaging said guide means and said main body memberin a manner permitting said bracket to be adjustably mounted on said main body memher; said bracket adapted to be adjusted to a position whereby a strap placed therein will be held by its own resiliency with its flat end portion fi'ush with said fiat surface and with its main body portion around the pipe or other structure.

' 2. A strap applicator of the character described comprising a body portion having a bearing face, a groove formed in said face and a guide passage extending through the body portion atright angles to and in registry "with said groove; an angle bracket for clamping a strap of the type comprising a body portion for bearing upon and partially circumscribing a pipe, and an end pornecessary element of safety.'

tion for bearing against a wall or other like surface; and means for adjusting one leg of said bracket away from and toward said body portion.

3. A strap applicator of the character described comprising a main body portion having a substantial protecting bearing face, a groove formed in saidface for receiving the flat end of a strap flush therewith and a guide passage extending through the body portion perpendicular to said groove and in registry with said strap end; and a bracket mounted on said main body portion for holding a strap of the type comprising a body portion for bearing upon and partially circumscribing a furring strip and an end portion for bearing against a wall or other like surface, in position thereon for securing the same to said surface, and means for adjusting said bracket toward and away from said body portion.

4. A strap applicator of the character described comprising a main body portion having a bearing face, a groove formed in said face, a recess aligned with and deeper than said groove and a guide passage extending through the body portion in registry with said groove and recess but perpendicular thereto; a bracket having a plurality of legs mounted on said body portion for clamping a strap of the type comprising a body portion for bearing upon and partially circumscribing a furring strip and an end portion for bearing against a wall or other like surface; and means for adjusting said bracket with sliding movement across a face of said body portion, and resilient means urging one leg of said bracket toward the body portion.

5. A strap applicator of the character described comprising a body portion having a bearing face, a groove formed in said face and a guide passage extending through the body portion in registry with said groove and perpendicular thereto; a bracket having a plurality of legs mounted on said body portion for clamping a strap of the type comprising a body portion for bearing upon and partially circumscribing a pipe, and an end portion for bearing against a wall or other like surface; said clamping means comprising a bracket slidable across a face of said body portion, means for moving said bracket to and away from the body portion and for clamping the same in adjusted position relative to said body portion, and resilient means for resiliently urging one of said bracket legs toward the body member.

6. A strap applicator for applying straps of the type comprising a body portion for bearing against and partially circumscribing a pipe or other like structure and a solid flat end portion for bearing against a wall or other like surface, said applicator comprising a main body member having a passage extending therethrough, a guide barrel in said passage mountable on a poweractuated tool, a protecting bearing face on said body member in registry with said guide barrel and disposed at right angles thereto, a depression in said face for receiving the flat end portion of said strap flush therewith and in registry with the discharge end of said guide barrel; an adjustable bracket, guide means in said bracket, locking means engaging said guide means and said main body member in a manner permitting said bracket to be adjustably mounted on said main body member; said bracket adapted to be adjusted to a position whereby a strap placed therein will be held by its own resiliency with its end portion flush with the bearing face of said applicator.

7. A strap applicator comprising a relatively massive body portion having a protecting face for bearing against a surface formed with a threaded guide passage extending therethrough and perpendicular to said face, a groove in said face in registry with said passage for reception of the flat end of a strap; a clamping member mounted on said body portion for clamping a strap of the type comprising a concave body portion and a solid flat end portion, in position thereon with its flat end portion in said groove and flush with the face thereof; and a guide barrel in threaded engagement with said guide passage, said barrel being mountable on a gun for firing a pin through said end portion of said strap to key the same in position.

8. A strap applicator for securing straps of the type having a head portion for bearing against and partially surrounding a pipe or other like structure and an unperforated solid end portion, comprising a body member having a protecting face for bearing against a Wall, a series of recesses in said body, a first one for receiving the solid end portion of a strap, a second one for receiving a washer, and a third one for receiving a guide barrel, said first two recesses being formed in the face of said body member, and the third perpendicular to and in registry with the other two, a guide barrel in said third recess having means for attaching a powder actuated gun for firing a pin therethrough and through the solid end portion of a strap to key and fasten it to the underlying surface, a bracket on said body to hold the head portion and said strap in position, and means for adjusting the bracket toward and away from said body.

9. A strap applicator for securing straps of the type having a head portion for bearing against and partially surrounding a pipe or other like structure and a solid end portion, comprising a body member having a protecting face for bearing against a wall, a series of recesses in said body, the outer recess for positioning the solid end portion of a strap flush with said face, a next recess for carrying a washer and a third recess in registry with and perpendicular to said other recesses for receiving a guide barrel, a guide barrel in said third recess having means for attaching a powder actuated gun for firing a pin therethrough and the underlying surface, a bracket on said body to hold the head portion and said strap in position, and means for adiusting the bracket toward and away from said body.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 682,904 Germany Oct. 26, 1939 

